Excitement is brewing in the world of Disney theme parks, as a beloved destination is set to welcome its first taste of Marvel magic! It’s been 15 years since The Walt Disney Company acquired Marvel Entertainment, but it wasn’t until 2017 that superheroes began making their presence felt in Disney parks. The initial step in this direction was the Iron Man Experience at Hong Kong Disneyland, thrilling guests with a cutting-edge adventure through Stark Expo and beyond.
From there, the Marvel takeover continued with attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! in California Adventure, Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! at Hong Kong Disneyland, and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, which is a key feature of California Adventure’s Avengers Campus that opened in 2021. Not to mention, EPCOT’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which launched in 2022 along with Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Studios Park.
However, there have been two notable absentees in this Marvel expansion: Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort. Tokyo Disneyland, in particular, has remained untouched by Marvel’s influence – until now. Tokyo Disney Resort has officially announced that it will introduce its first Marvel-themed spectacle with the new nighttime show “Reach for the Stars,” debuting on September 20, 2024. This highly anticipated 20-minute show is set to feature a dazzling blend of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters, including Iron Man and Captain Marvel.
Additionally, “it’s a small world” is undergoing a Marvel-ous transformation to “it’s a small world with Groot,” slated for a winter 2025 premiere. This reimagining will incorporate Mary Blair-inspired Marvel superhero dolls, bringing a fresh twist to the classic attraction.
The delay in bringing Marvel to Tokyo Disneyland has largely been attributed to the theme park rights previously held by Universal Studios Japan. This agreement ended in January 2024, creating an opportunity for Tokyo Disney Resort to finally embrace the Marvel universe.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Which Marvel characters are you most excited to see at Tokyo Disneyland? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to spread the word by sharing this story with fellow Disney fans!
